WILDERNESS STATE PARK
Wilderness State Park offers visitors a variety of year-round recreational activities within its 8,000 acres. Wilderness areas and a beautiful shoreline provide great places to observe naure from the nurmerous trails throughout the park. The park's 250 modern campsites are divided into two units, the Lakeshore and the Pines. Six rustic cabins and three rustic bunkhouses are additional options for accommodations withint the park.
The terrain is a mixture of dense coniferous forest to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open, wet, meadows mixed in. There are an abundance of small ponds mixed in with coniferous wetlands. It is easy to get lost and everyone going into the forest is advised to carry a map and compass.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
This park boasts excellent deer and snowshoe hare hunting, while hunting opportunities exist for grouse, duck, goose, and squirrel as well. Bear hunting is available with the appropriate license. There are a few bobcats. The park is also open to trapping. There is an abundant population of beaver, which receive moderate trapping pressure. Coyote numbers are also high, but they receive little hunting or trapping attention. The park also supports mink, muskrat, and otter.
More than 16 miles stretch across the East Boundary, South Boundary, Nebo, Sturgeon Bay, Swamp Line and Big Stone trails. These trails are shared with all bicycles, including mountain bikes. The North Country Trail includes 10 miles within the state park, including the Red Pine Trail. This national scenic trail hiking route from North Dakota to New York includes more than 1,500 miles in Michigan.
Trails in the park:
Wilderness-Big Stone - 0.75 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-East Boundary - 2 mi, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-East Ridge - 1 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-Hemlock - 0.75 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-Nebo - 2 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-North Country - 5.5 mi, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-Park Road - 3.5 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-Pondside - 0.25 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-Red Pine - 1.25 (Miles), Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-South Boundary - 1.5 mi, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-Sturgeon Bay - 2.25 mi, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Wilderness-Swamp Line - 2 (Miles), Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Metal Detecting Areas:
Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Michigan State Parks nor violate applicable state statues. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation.
11 miles W. of Mackinaw City on Wilderness Park Drive.
We are on our way home from Wilderness State Park as I type. We loved every minute of our 4 days there Every part of the place was full and you still felt alone. Beautiful park WE WILL BE BACK
The campground loop we stayed in had deep potholes every few feet and the sites were small even for my 23 Ft. camper.
Had lots of fun camping with an Aunt and Cousin from CA last summer 2012 in June! The weather was PERFECT! So close to all the local things to do and see!
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